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These are statistics from the US but the results will be similar in Canada. Four of the top 10 causes of death (in bold) have inflammatory components, and all four have reported links to gum disease based on science!!

There is also evidence that a percentage of pneumonia cases resulting in death can be attributed to aspirated (inhaled) oral bacteria from a mouth with periodontal disease/infection.

The bottom line is as more evidence accumulates, it is becoming clear that part of the equation to keep the general population much healthier and living longer involves every dentist who diagnosis or treats a patient who has teeth or has been restored with dental implants.

There has also been some suggestion that the “periodontal assessment” be rename the “risk assessment” signify the screen for an overall all health risk as it relates to periodontal (gum) infection. In the future it may be common practices for physicians to refer patients to their dentist for treatment following a positive test for any inflammatory disease. These include but are not limited to arthritis, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.